Clip It Up!

How did I ever survive without this nifty gadget from Simply Renee called the Clip It Up? I've always stored my Scrapbooking supplies (embellishments, stickers, etc...) in various boxes to stay organized. However, I must admit that if I don't see it -- I don't use it! Now that I have this new system, I'm certain to maximize the use my supplies as they are always easy to see and within reach!

Holiday Mini Swap

I recently participated in a swap for the new Holiday Mini Catalog. I chose the Season of Joy set along with the new Holiday Harmony Designer Series Paper. I added some Dazzling Diamonds glitter along the border of the tree and finished off the card by piercing some holes in the corners to match the dots on the greeting.

Just Be BOLD

Yesterday I came across this gorgeous picture on Leslie Miller's blog, Running With Scissors. She mentions --> "could a person possibly combine all these colors on a card and get away with it?" Well, I believe the answer is an astounding YES! I challenged myself and I decided to do an Andy Warhol-type of card; I really like the way it came out. What do you think?

This Stamp Set Is Growing On Me

This past Stampin' Up! Convention was my 5th and I must admit that I wasn't thrilled with the stamp sets we received -- especially the "Wanted" set. However, I discovered a use for the horse when I was making some simple z-fold cards with the Au Chocolat paper. I wanted a monochrome design, so I needed an image that would look good stamped in chocolate chip ink -- thus the horse! I actually like the way they came out, so now the set is growing on me. Perhaps I won't trade it afterall!

Card Club for August

I'm involved with a Monthly Card Club with my close friends who enjoy making cards (both Demonstrators and Non-demonstrators). Each month we have a theme; for August it was "baby" since one of our members is pregnant and due any day now.

Here's the card I created. It's somewhat difficult to discern from the photo, but the darker paper is actually copper and the giraffe's "spots" have been punched out to reveal the copper beneath it.

Ooh...Look What I Got

I can't wait to play with my new set of Copic Brush Markers. My DH bought them for my b-day and I was able to completely customize my set of 36, thus I chose colors I knew I'd use. Once I get my craft room organized, I'm going to have fun playing with color! I can't wait!

The Martini Glass Is Fine, But...

...Or should I say "butt", my leg and bum are badly bruised.

Here's the scoop: On sunday, I spent the afternoon with friends for brunch at one of their houses. The rain had just stopped so we thought it would be nice to eat outside on the patio. Now mind you, I had just begun drinking my yummy blueberry martini so I certainly wasn't "under the influence" yet. Anyway, as I took my first step down the stairs to the patio, my foot slipped from underneath me and I fell right on my left leg/buttocks and then slid down to the bottom of the stairs. Ouch! However, I did it gracefully and although I spilled my drink all over my pants, I held tight to my glass and didn't let it break! I laughed it off and didn't feel too bad since another lady slipped and fell in the exact same spot as I did shortly thereafter.

I felt fine for the next couple of hours, yet when it came time to drive home -- Ouch...sitting down on the carseat was less than pleasant! By the time I got home, my left leg was noticeably swollen and extremely painful to the touch. Now, three days later, it's still rather sensitive, a lovely shade of purple and yellow, and still swollen! I'd post pictures, but I highly doubt anybody would like to see such a thing!

So, needless, to say it hurts to sit down so I haven't spent anytime in my craft room the past few days...

Cards Made From Punches

I'm amazed at what people have made from various punches. Did you know that there several websites devoted to Punch Art? Well, these cards feature a cute little purse made from punches --> the tab punch for the "body" and the large and small oval punch for the "handle". Then it's finished off with a cute little brad. It's as simple as that. If I knew who "discovered" this particular technique, then I would certainly give her credit.

Ever thought about being a surgeon?

If so, then you should read Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon's First Years by Michael J. Collins, MD.

I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind more than once; however, after reading this book I know I would not last as a resident. Working hundreds of hours each week, getting only a handful of hours of sleep, and getting paid slave wages would certainly not suit me...especially if I had to do it for 4 years!

Anyway, it's a good read and you just might end up with a new found respect for surgeons!

Penny Black Polished Stone

It's been some time since I've used my Penny Black stamps, so I thought I'd experiment with unconventional color combinations along with the polished stone technique. I essentially used the same layout with each card, just flipped it according to the card shape. I'm quite pleased with the way they turned out, even my DH was impressed!

QVC's Craft Fair

If you're a paper crafting fanactic like myself, then you most likely were aware of QVC's 24-hour Craft Fair yesterday. I like to think that it was in honor of my birthday, but I'm too young to be suffering from dementia. Anyway, each time QVC has this event my DH cringes merely thinking about how much money I'm going to spend. Well, this time I think I even shocked myself because I only purchased two items, both of which were less than $25.

I'm constantly searching for new ideas to help me remain organized in my craft room, so when I saw this ribbon storage set, I knew I had to get it! I'm still in the process of switching to a new ribbon system, but here's a pic of what I've done so far with the SU! ribbon holders and the new Jumbo eyelets.

Secret Sister

I'm in the current round of Splitcoaststampers Secret Sisters for SU! Demonstrators. I was initially assigned a Little Sister, let's call her Kelly, and I sent her several cards and gifts over a period of two months. Part of the agreement with being in this group is that you post "thank you's" in their forum to acknowledge your cards and gifts. Sally wasn't exactly keeping up with her end of the deal and in addition, I was told that she hadn't sent her Little Sister anything -- no even a card! Therefore, a couple of weeks ago Kelly was dropped from the group and I've been assigned a new Little Sister, who I'll refer to as Molly.



So far I've sent Molly 2 cards and 1 gift. This is actually the first card I sent her - featuring the new SU! Zoofari set, Cutie Pie Designer Series Paper and white taffeta ribbon. I attempted to add polka dots with the Purely Pomegranate ink to match the cardstock; however, the ribbon allowed the ink to bleed. At first I was disappointed with the effect; yet now I actually like it since it matches the spots on the kitty cat.



Molly is a ribbon addict, just like me. Therefore, I decided to make her a ribbon jar and fill it with samples of all the SU! ribbon that I have, which is quite a bit! Even though SU! retired quite a bit of ribbon recently, I included it since she'll be able to use it on her personal projects.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I've been a frequent visitor to many stamping-related blogs for quite some time now so I thought it would be fun to have my own. I actually created this blog about a month ago, but was waiting for the final design before the big reveal. Well, needless to say, this is NOT the final design, I'm patiently waiting for the designer to return from maternity leave. She tried feverishly to finish it before she delivered, but nature prevailed! Since I didn't want to put this off any longer, I thought today would be a great day to reveal my new blog site to everyone. The majority of my posts will feature pics of cards and projects I've created, but I'll also be occasionally providing personal updates. So please check back often and I encourage you to leave comments as well.


Here's a card I created for my Secret Sister using the SU! "Pick a Petal" stamp set along with black/white gingham ribbon that I colored with a Real Red marker. If you look closely, you can see the "flight path" of the ladybug.